Major League Wrestling

What Major League Wrestling does

Major League Wrestling (MLW) is a privately held US-based sports media holding company founded in 2002 that operates a portfolio of professional wrestling content, live events, merchandise, and audio properties. Its flagship product is MLW: Fusion, a weekly 52 x 60-minute professional wrestling television series engineered around a proprietary Hybrid Wrestling framework developed by CEO Court Bauer in January 2000 — a unified discipline fusing British Strong Style, Catch Wrestling, Hardcore, Lucha Libre, MMA, Shoot, Strong Style, Technical, and Royal Road styles under no-disqualification, no-count-out rules. MLW maintains a roster spanning the United States, Mexico (via CMLL relationships with Místico, Templario, Blue Panther, Último Guerrero, and Soberano Jr.), Japan (via NJPW and STARDOM talent), and the UK/Scotland (Glasgow Boys On Top), with high-profile crossovers including Golden Globe/Emmy winner Paul Walter Hauser.

MLW distributes MLW: Fusion free worldwide on YouTube, Veeps (Live Nation-backed), beIN Sports (U.S. cable, Saturdays at 10 PM ET), NJPW World (Japan), StarTimes (Africa/MENA), Wataaa Fight Channel, Fight Klub Poland, MBC (Mauritius), and beIN Sports (Puerto Rico), reaching 50+ countries. Revenue is generated through live event ticketing (2300 Arena Philadelphia, Cicero Stadium Chicago, Charleston, Kissimmee, etc.), quarterly live PPVs on Veeps, advertising and sponsorships (Don Gato Tequila is the marquee event sponsor), merchandise sales through the MLW Shop, Panini America trading card licensing royalties, podcast advertising across the MLW Radio Network (5–6 podcasts consistently in top iTunes 100 Sports), and content licensing royalties from international broadcast partners. Headquarters in New York with active Street Team operations in Philadelphia, NYC (Queens), and Chicago; the company is small (1–10 employees, hiring across four in-house media production roles) and leadership comprises Founder/CEO Court Bauer, President Cesar Duran, and broadcaster Rich Bocchini.

Name

Major League Wrestling

Legal name

Major League Wrestling (MLW®)

Website

https://mlw.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Major League Wrestling is a private US sports media company founded in 2002 that produces the free weekly MLW: Fusion wrestling series, live touring events, and merchandise, distributing content across YouTube, Veeps, beIN Sports, NJPW World, and 50+ international markets for a global wrestling fan base.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Wrestling Entertainment

akta.pro primary industry

Professional Wrestling Promotions (MPAKAHAC)

Keywords

• Professional wrestling events
• Weekly wrestling programming
• Live event ticketing
• Combat sports entertainment
• Wrestling merchandise

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Live event ticketing: Direct ticket sales for touring events at major venues (2300 Arena Philadelphia, sold-out Cicero Stadium Chicago, Charleston SC, Kissimmee); tickets sold via MLW2300.com, MLWTIX.com, MLWGo.com, and luchatickets.com; recent Philadelphia weekend sold out.
2. Quarterly live pay-per-view events: Quarterly live PPV events distributed through the Veeps partnership and other platforms, complementing free weekly content with premium live offerings.
3. Advertising and sponsorship sales: Sponsorship and media opportunities sold across MLW Wrestling Events, MLW.com, MLW.tv, MLW podcast, and WaleMania properties via formal sponsor inquiry form; Don Gato Tequila is a marquee event-sponsor ("Slaughterhouse fueled by Don Gato Tequila").
4. Merchandise (MLW Shop): E-commerce sales through MLWShop.com storefront, including limited-edition merchandise collections tied to the Veeps partnership.
5. Content licensing royalties: Licensing of MLW: Fusion programming to international broadcast partners; commercial distribution has been established in the UK, Japan, Germany, India, Denmark, Bangladesh and other territories, with additional regional feeds via StarTimes, Wataaa, MBC, beIN Sports, Fight Klub Poland.
6. Trading card licensing (Panini): Licensed trading card product line distributed through Panini America, generating royalty income from collectibles.
7. Podcast / audio advertising (MLW Radio Network): MLW Radio Network operates 5–6 podcasts that consistently rank in the top iTunes 100 in the Sports category on the average day, providing podcast advertising inventory.
8. Music culture integration partnerships: Music-culture integration connecting wrestling audiences with artists from metal, country, punk, hardcore, and alternative music communities, leveraging Live Nation's artist network for joint commercial opportunities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels12 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Major League Wrestling (MLW) produces the weekly 60-minute professional wrestling television series MLW: Fusion, staged under a proprietary Hybrid Wrestling rules framework developed by Court Bauer, and distributed free worldwide on YouTube, Veeps, beIN Sports, and NJPW World. The company complements this flagship weekly show with a touring slate of live events (Battle Riot, Slaughterhouse, Lucha Apocalypto, FIGHTLAND, SuperFight, Kings of Colosseum, Summer of the Beasts), the MLW Shop merchandise storefront, the MLW Radio Network podcast portfolio, and international content licensing to 50+ markets.

Product overview

Major League Wrestling (MLW) operates as a sports media holding company with a single unified product portfolio centered on professional wrestling programming, distributed via multiple platforms and complemented by live events, merchandise, podcasts, and digital content. The core offering is the weekly television series MLW: Fusion, which is engineered as a 52 x 60-minute professional combat sport program that is distributed free worldwide on YouTube, Veeps, beIN SPORTS, NJPW World, and additional international partners (StarTimes, MBC, Wataaa Fight Channel, Fight Klub Poland). Supporting modules include live event series such as MLW Battle Riot, Lucha Apocalypto, FIGHTLAND, SuperFight, Kings of Colosseum, and the upcoming Slaughterhouse, alongside the MLW Shop merchandise storefront, MLW Radio Network podcast portfolio (top-ranked on iTunes Sports), and championship title brands spanning the MLW World Heavyweight Championship, MLW National Openweight Championship, MLW World Tag Team Championship (held by The Skyscrapers), MLW World Middleweight Championship (held by Templario), MLW Women's World Championship (held by Shotzi), and the newly introduced Southern Crown Championship. The ecosystem is tied together by MLW.com as the official digital hub, with supplementary properties including MLW.tv, MLWGo.com, MLWNYC.com, MLW2300.com, MLWVIP.com, and WaleMania for ticketing, VIP experiences, and streaming.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MLW Radio Network: The leading provider of professional wrestling podcasts with 5-6 podcasts in the top iTunes 100 in the sports category on the average day.
• MLW Fusion
• Slaughterhouse
• Battle Riot
• WaleMania

Products and services

• MLW: Fusion Weekly 60-minute professional wrestling television series (52 episodes per year) engineered with a combat sport-centered narrative and high-octane action under the Hybrid Wrestling rules framework. Distributed free worldwide on YouTube, Veeps, beIN Sports, NJPW World, and additional international partners for pro wrestling fans worldwide.
• MLW Battle Riot Signature multi-combatant annual live event (most recent: Battle Riot VIII in January 2026 in Kissimmee, FL) where wrestlers compete in a 40-person battle royal-style format. Killer Kross outlasted 39 other combatants to win the MLW World Heavyweight Championship at Battle Riot VIII. Ticketed event for wrestling fans.
• MLW Slaughterhouse Premium MLW live event series fueled by Don Gato Tequila, including the upcoming Philadelphia date at the 2300 Arena and Fusion television tapings. Ticketed event for wrestling fans.
• MLW Lucha Apocalypto Lucha libre showcase live event held at Cicero Stadium in Chicago featuring CMLL luchadores including Titán, Místico, and Templario. Ticketed event for wrestling and lucha libre fans.
• MLW FIGHTLAND MLW premium live event held in Dallas; site of Templario capturing the vacant MLW World Middleweight Title by defeating Ikuro Kwon. Ticketed event for wrestling fans.
• MLW SuperFight MLW premium live event; site of SuperFight 6 where Templario and Bárbaro Cavernario became the first team to pin Místico in MLW history. Ticketed event for wrestling fans.
• MLW Kings of Colosseum MLW premium live event held in Dallas in January 2025; site of Matt Riddle dethroning Satoshi Kojima for the MLW World Heavyweight Championship. Ticketed event for wrestling fans.
• MLW Summer of the Beasts MLW live event held in New York City at the Melrose Ballroom; site of Diego Hill's debut against KUSHIDA in 2025. Ticketed event for wrestling fans.
• MLW Programming Licensing International content licensing program for MLW: Fusion (52 x 60-minute episodes per year), distributed commercially in the UK, Japan, Germany, India, Denmark, Bangladesh, and other territories. Creatively managed by Court Bauer. Licensed to international broadcasters and digital platforms.
• MLW Shop Official MLW merchandise e-commerce storefront offering apparel, trading cards, and limited-edition collections in partnership with Veeps. Direct-to-consumer product sales for wrestling fans.
• MLW Radio Network Podcast network producing 5–6 podcasts consistently in the top iTunes 100 Sports category on the average day. Free on-demand wrestling commentary, news, and analysis for wrestling fans, monetized via podcast advertising inventory.
• MLW VIP VIP and meet-and-greet ticketing platform for MLW events, including pre-orders for STARDOM stars Saya Kamitani and RINA meet-and-greet experiences and Místico NYC meet-and-greet packages. Premium fan experiences for wrestling enthusiasts.
• MLW Insider Newsletter Opt-in email newsletter delivering MLW news, deals, flash sales, ticket pre-order access, and insider information to wrestling fans. Supports merchandising and ticket revenue through direct fan communications.
• MLW Live Events & Ticketing Live event ticketing ecosystem covering recurring venues including Charleston (MLWGo.com), Philadelphia 2300 Arena (MLW2300.com), and Chicago Cicero Stadium (luchatickets.com). Upcoming 2026 events include September 12 (Charleston), October 3 (Philadelphia Slaughterhouse), and November 7 (Chicago). Direct-to-consumer ticket sales for wrestling fans.

Quantifiable outcome

• Sold-out Philadelphia weekend at 2300 Arena followed by immediate October 3 return date (Slaughterhouse)
• +4 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 June 2026MLW and NJPW teamed up to bring MLW Fusion to Japan on NJPW World, with MLW's flagship weekly series streaming on NJPW World beginning June 22, expanding global reach across platforms.
• STARDOMcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 June 2026Cross-promotional collaboration with Japanese women's wrestling promotion STARDOM, featuring exclusive Meet & Greet experiences with STARDOM stars Saya Kamitani and RINA during MLW events on June 11–13 in New York City and Philadelphia.
• VeepsflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 May 2026Multi-faceted partnership covering free streaming of weekly MLW Fusion on Veeps (Saturdays), quarterly live PPV event distribution, limited-edition merchandise collections, and music-culture integration connecting wrestling audiences with artists from metal, country, punk, hardcore, and alternative music communities. Co-founded by Kyle Heller; backed by Live Nation.
• Live NationflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2026Indirect partnership through Veeps (Live Nation-backed). Opens cross-promotional opportunities with Live Nation's touring, ticketing, and artist networks, which MLW CEO Court Bauer described as having "unlimited potential" to accelerate MLW's global growth.
• Don Gato TequilacoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 21 January 2026Premium tequila brand founded by the undefeated luchador Don Gato. Sponsors MLW events including "Slaughterhouse fueled by Don Gato Tequila" (Philadelphia, October 3, 2026), Battle Riot VIII (Kissimmee, January 29, 2026), and is integrated into MLW Fusion content (Danny McBride and Steve chronicle Don Gato lore on broadcast).
• ABC Fine Wine & SpiritsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 21 January 2026Retail bottle-signing partner hosting Don Gato Tequila appearance at the St. Cloud, Florida store on January 29, drawing hundreds of customers.
• Panini AmericacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLicensed trading card partnership: MLW-licensed trading cards sold through Panini America's catalog (catalogsearch index for "MLW" on paniniamerica.net).
• beIN SportscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorU.S. cable/satellite broadcast partner airing MLW Fusion every Saturday at 10 PM ET; also serves Puerto Rico under international distribution.
• StarTimescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPan-African pay-TV distribution partner carrying MLW content across Africa (multiple countries listed in international distribution table), plus selected Middle East/North Africa markets.
• Wataaa Fight ChannelminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional distribution partner carrying MLW content across numerous African countries plus Qatar, Haiti, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna, Gaza Strip, and West Bank.
• Fight Klub PolandminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional broadcast partner distributing MLW content in Poland.
• MBC (Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational broadcast partner distributing MLW content in Mauritius.
• Good Brothers (Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTag team talent partnership: The Good Brothers signed with MLW and challenged The Skyscrapers for the MLW World Tag Team Championship in a Tables Match, later forming an alliance with Shotzi and Mads Krule Krugger against The Skyscrapers and CONTRA.
• Glasgow Boys On Top (GBOT — Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, Wolfgang)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThree-man tag team talent partnership: former WWE NXT trio (Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, Wolfgang) signed with MLW and rebranded as Glasgow Boys On Top, debuting at Battle RIOT VIII in January 2026.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE): WWE is the dominant global professional wrestling promotion, operating weekly flagship TV (Raw, SmackDown, NXT), premium live events, and a large talent roster. It is the benchmark incumbent in MLW's core market; both compete for the same U.S. wrestling audience and sponsor dollars, but WWE operates at vastly greater scale with media rights deals on Netflix, USA, and The CW.

Direct peers

• All Elite Wrestling (AEW): AEW is the largest direct U.S. competitor to MLW, founded in 2019 with a substantial television deal (TNT/TBS via WBD) and a roster overlapping with MLW's free-agent talent pool. Both target U.S. wrestling fans with weekly TV, live events, and PPVs, and compete for marquee free-agent signings, sponsors, and venue bookings.
• New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW): NJPW is a leading Japanese pro wrestling promotion and a strategic distribution partner of MLW (MLW Fusion streams on NJPW World). The two share talent (e.g., Satoshi Kojima, KUSHIDA) and operate complementary weekly TV products, making NJPW both a peer and a partner; comparable in product format and international distribution model.
• Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling: TNA is a long-running U.S. independent wrestling promotion that operates weekly programming, pay-per-views, and a live-event touring model similar to MLW. Both compete in the same mid-tier independent wrestling market for U.S. fans, talent, and cable/streaming distribution, with overlapping TNA-AEW/WWE-adjacent talent rosters.
• Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL): CMLL is the oldest professional wrestling promotion in the world and a primary supplier of lucha libre talent to MLW (Místico, Templario, Blue Panther, Último Guerrero, Soberano Jr., Titan). Both promotions emphasize lucha libre traditions; CMLL operates weekly TV in Mexico while MLW brings those talents to U.S. and international audiences, making them complementary in product but direct peers in the lucha libre category.
• World Wonder Ring Stardom: STARDOM is a leading Japanese women's wrestling promotion and a cross-promotional partner of MLW (STARDOM talent appearances at MLW events, including Saya Kamitani and RINA). Comparable in product format (weekly events, championships, character-driven storytelling) and partner-adjacent in international distribution, with overlap in joshi wrestling audiences.
• Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide: AAA is one of the largest Mexican lucha libre promotions, comparable to CMLL, and competes for the same lucha libre fan base that MLW's roster serves. Both promotions operate weekly TV, live events, and lucha-specific championships; MLW's Místico, Templario, and other CMLL-adjacent lucha talent compete for fan attention with AAA's product.
• Ring of Honor (ROH): ROH is a U.S. professional wrestling promotion now owned by Tony Khan (AEW) that operates weekly TV and pay-per-views, and shares talent with the independent wrestling ecosystem. Comparable to MLW in scale and product format; both target dedicated U.S. wrestling fans and have overlapping rosters of indie/free-agent talent.

Emerging players

• Game Changer Wrestling (GCW): GCW is a U.S.-based independent wrestling promotion that emphasizes hardcore, deathmatch, and alternative wrestling styles. It is a partial peer to MLW: smaller scale, focuses on a different sub-genre of pro wrestling, and serves an overlapping indie/alternative audience via streaming and live events.

Regional players

• Pro Wrestling NOAH: NOAH is a major Japanese pro wrestling promotion historically tied to All Japan Pro Wrestling, with a weekly TV product and live-event touring model comparable to MLW. It operates primarily in Japan, making it a regional peer in product format rather than a direct U.S. competitor, but operates in the same global independent wrestling ecosystem as MLW.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/mlwwrestling
• Facebookfacebook.com/majorleaguewrestling
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/majorleaguewrestling

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Major League Wrestling